FSBlue's Florida Zoo Trip

F

FSBlue

Well-Known Member
Hey Fellow Zoochatters

It has been awhile, but it seems work will allow me to hit up almost every major zoo in Florida over the next two months or so. I decided to make my very own "Road Trip" thread as well. My itinerary includes

Central Florida Zoo
Jacksonville Zoo
St. Augustine Alligator Farm
Miami Metro Zoo
Brevard Zoo
Lowry Park Zoo
Naples Zoo

Any other suggestions would be appreciated. Animal Kingdom and Silver Springs are definitely No Gos this time around.

Also, decided to come up with my own ranking criteria
5.0:Truly the pinnacle of what a zoo should achieve, ZCs should make a special trip just to a place like this
4.0-4.9: Excellent zoo with a few minor flaws that hold it back from legendary status. Still, ZCs should make a point of going there eventually.
3.9-3.0: Average zoo that has either a major flaw or quite a few minor ones that ultimately hold it back. Worth making a stop on a roadtrip, but not THE reason for one
2.9-2.0: Below average zoo that either has poor exhibits, mediocre collections, or other major weaknesses. Maybe worth a road trip stop, but definitely not a must see.
1.9-1.0: Craptacular roadside zoos go here.
 
FSBlue said:
Hey Fellow Zoochatters

Also, decided to come up with my own ranking criteria
5.0:Truly the pinnacle of what a zoo should achieve, ZCs should make a special trip just to a place like this
4.0-4.9: Excellent zoo with a few minor flaws that hold it back from legendary status. Still, ZCs should make a point of going there eventually.
3.9-3.0: Average zoo that has either a major flaw or quite a few minor ones that ultimately hold it back. Worth making a stop on a roadtrip, but not THE reason for one
2.9-2.0: Below average zoo that either has poor exhibits, mediocre collections, or other major weaknesses. Maybe worth a road trip stop, but definitely not a must see.
1.9-1.0: Craptacular roadside zoos go here.
Click to expand...

I look forward to your zoo reviews and like that you have created a ranking system. What criteria will be going into your ratings (e.g., exhibit quality, animal collection, visitor amenities, conservation programs)?
 
@FSBlue: You mentioned that you have a 2-month window of opportunity, so in essence you could visit at least 50 different zoos and aquariums. That's what I'm doing next summer in at least 30 U.S. states!:) I'm sure that you've already been to a large number of Florida zoos and aquariums, but do you have a finished itinerary? Would you consider heading north to the world-class North Carolina Zoo, or north-west to Zoo Atlanta and Georgia Aquarium? Anyway, I would be thrilled if you would type up long, informative reviews and post them on ZooChat. Thanks!
 
Love the ranking systems!!! :D

I definatly have to agree with Cat-Man on going to Busch Gardens. They have my favorite tiger exhibit by far. It rained for about 2 hrs. when we were there and still had a great time. Also, one of the best "scenic zoos" with so many different types of palms and millions of flowers. We went during october and they were setting up for HalloScream....Great Decor!! If we had more time we would have definatly stayed. It looked awesome.

Lowry Park is good. I love the penguin exhibit. Marty has been at Miami Metro 2x and he loved it.

I didn't see any aquariums on your list so I'm not sure if your gonna hit any up. We also went to the Florida Aquarium on our trip. It was nice, but really geared towards kids. Great signage, playground, and penguin encounters. I love aquariums, but it doesn't compare to Shedd, National, Newport or Dallas in my opinion.

Have fun. We look foward to reading your reviews.

-Bonnie- Team Tapir
 
You should definately go to Busch Gardens, they have an excellent over 60 acre Serengeti Plains exhibit, and other great exhibits
 
Since you will be in the Tampa area, you should definitely go to the Florida Aquarium. It isn't the biggest or the best but it is a very good one and the wetlands section is top quality.
 
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